Tuesday, December 22, 2009

KOULOURAKIA - GREEK COOKIES

A few days ago, Zarpandit at "Cikolota & Istanbul" from Turkey kindla sent me a packet with lots of wonderful gifts from Turkey. I received loukoumi (Turkish delight), two dainty coffee cups, a traditional coffee pot (cevze), some Turkish coffee and a spice called mahlep (or mahleb). It really made my day and filled me with joy. What great items.Thanks so much dear friend!

So, as I had been dying to try mahlep since a long while, I thought that it would be a good idea if I baked something with that special spice. I was really eager to try it out and wanted to make cookies for Christmas so I baked a batch of "Koulourakia" cookies (pronounced: koo-loo-RAHK-yah).

Those traditional sesame topped Greek cookies are generally made at Easter time. Mostly shaped like a twisted rope, these cookies are also often shaped into figure eights, braids or twisted wreaths. They are a kind of shortbread, a bit crunchy, buttery but not too sweet.

"Koulourakia" are maybe simple cookies, but they taste heavenly nonetheless. The mahlep spice which is made from black cherry kernels somewhat tastes like cherries and almonds. It adds a very unique, distinctive and delicate flavor that is uncomparable, thus making those cookies irresistible.

4. In another bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, salt and Mahlep powder; gradually add to butter mixture, blending thoroughly.5. To shape the cookies, pinch off 1-inch balls of dough; roll each into a 7-inch strand. Bring the ends together and twist (or form into a pretzel shape, if preferred).6. Place slightly apart on a greased baking sheet.7. Beat remaining egg yolk with remaining half and half; brush lightly over the cookies and sprinkle with sesame seeds.8. Bake in a 180° C (350° F) oven for 15 minutes till golden.9. Transfer to racks and cool completely.10. Store in airtight tins.

Remarks:I you have any half and half, whisk together half cream (25% fat) and half milk (3% fat).You can leave out the ground mahlep if you want.You can also roll those cookies and cut them out with cookie cutters.

Thanks for a year full of delicious treats and delights. I have enjoyed the virtual tours of the places you visited this year, the weekend cat blogging and all! Looking forward to more in the new year.

I LOVE these cookies! I used to pack 'em in at the Greek festivals years ago, and still buy a ton when I'm at a Greek bake shop or restaurant! Yours look amazing! Now, can you make me some Baklava too? :) Have a wonderful and healhy holiday, Rosa!